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Threats and Cash: How China Meddles in U.S. Local Elections

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Threats and Cash: How China Meddles in U.S. Local Elections

The Daily

2025/08/28
The Daily

The Daily

2025/08/28
OverviewShownoteHighlightsTranscriptChaptersPins

Shownote

A curious news story emerged in New York last week. It involved the mayor’s race, a reporter from the news outlet The City and a bag of chips. Michael Forsythe, a reporter on the investigations team at The New York Times, explains how the episode fits int...

Highlights

A recent incident involving a reporter, a bag of chips, and a hidden wad of cash has sparked a broader conversation about the influence of foreign powers in American politics. What started as a curious moment in New York’s mayoral race quickly unfolded into a complex narrative about China’s growing reach into local elections and political discourse.
00:00
Reporter received cash-filled envelope at Chinese press conference 25 years ago
09:29
Yuen Chu's meeting with the Chinese consulate revealed deeper political implications.
16:30
After Yuan Chu attended a banquet with the Taiwan president, consulate leaders intervened and one was interviewed.
20:10
Chen Jinrong questioned by Chinese consulate over Taiwan-related activities
23:21
Chinese government allegedly tried to undermine a Chinese-American congressional candidate in 2022 through espionage and pressure on community leaders.

Chapters

The surprising link between cash, chips, and political influence
00:00
How attending a Taiwan event reshaped a senator’s political fate
06:04
Hometown associations: cultural bridges or political tools?
13:10
Behind the scenes: How the Chinese consulate swayed a local election
20:10
China’s playbook: Interference, influence, and electoral outcomes
23:21

Transcript

Michael Forsythe: It's your day to play, It's your morning to make the most of. Rachel Abrams: It's your way to love. Michael Forsythe: It's your climate to consider. It's your answer to, what should I watch? It's your money to save. It's your song to an...